French dairy major Lactalis has acquired Portugal’s Sequeira & Sequeira, the owner of cheese brand Paiva, for an undisclosed sum.

Sequeira & Sequeira is essentially a wholesaler but it moved into food production in 1992 when it acquired cheesemaker Lacticínios do Paiva, which dates back to 1933.

The newly-announced acquisition sees President, Galbani and Parmalat brands owner Lactalis take control of Lacticínios do Paiva’s dairy production. It will also take on Sequeira & Sequeira’s wholesale activities in Portugal, Mozambique and Cape Verde.

Some 270 employees of the group will join the approximately 450 people already working for Lactalis in Portugal.

The acquisition will increase the number of Lactalis' factories in Portugal to two.

Sequeira & Sequeira was founded in 1986 in Vouzela and now, through Lacticínios do Paiva’s Lamego plant, produces cheeses ranging from traditional flamengos and curados to fresh cheese, under main brand Paiva.

Brothers José Sequeira and António Sequeira took over the business founded by their father.

Miguel Romão, general manager of Lactalis' business in Portugal, said: “We are delighted with the coming together of these two family businesses, driven by common values. It will enable Lactalis to develop the production and sale of local cheeses in Portugal and will therefore complement its existing offer in the country.

“The wholesale activity will allow us to strengthen distribution and export activities.”

In a joint statement, the Sequeira brothers said: “This agreement with one of the world’s leading dairy companies recognises the hard work of all the workers of both Sequeira & Sequeira and Lacticínios do Paiva, as well as the quality of its operations and exceptional products.

“We are sure that Lactalis will continue to develop its activities and embrace the growth opportunities that lay ahead.”